William "Refrigerator" Perry's Net Worth Revealed

By Jason Bolton September 09, 2024 04:15

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

William Anthony Perry, also known as "The Refrigerator," is a former American football player who gained fame in the NFL during the 1980s. Perry was born in Aiken, S.C., on Dec. 16, 1962, and his rise from small-town boy to NFL icon makes for both an inspirational and cautionary tale. Perry, a defensive tackle who was both agile and massive at 6'4" and about 325 pounds, became nationally known for his play and personality.

Career Highlights and Achievements

His strong play in high school landed him at Clemson University, where he was a pivotal member of the 1981 championship team, earning first-team All-America honors in 1983.

Perry was selected early in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. His rookie year was record-breaking, as he helped lead the Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX.

His ability to play both sides of the field helped make Perry a fan favorite. He played during a decade-long career, encompassing stints with the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. but Perry also spent some time in the World League of American Football with the London Monarchs. Though a force on the field, Perry struggled outside of football with health and money problems.

Sources of Income

Perry made most of his money from playing in the NFL, making around $330,000 annually during his stint with the Chicago Bears. In addition to the money he made from football, Perry dabbled in acting and was seen on a number of TV shows and movies, including "The A-Team" (2010) and 2003's comedy hidden-camera film Windy City Heat.

Additionally, Perry earned revenue from his foray into conducting professional wrestling, such as matches like WrestleMania 2. Yet even though Perry had multiple lines of income, his financial solvency disappeared after years of poor health and unsuccessful business endeavors.

Estimated Net Worth

In 2024, William Perry's estimated net worth is $10,000. This stands in stark contrast to what many of his peers earned and underscores the dire financial straits he was facing even before retirement. Perry was diagnosed with Guillain Barré syndrome, which worsened his financial struggles. His wealth was thus eroded by the costs of medical treatments and continued lifestyle.

How Does Perry Compare to Other NFL Players

The difference is stark when comparing Perry's net worth to others from his era in the NFL. Some of the players from all those previous decades have held or increased their fortunes thanks to investments, endorsements, and media ops. In contrast, fellow Chicago Bears and teammate Mike Singletary has an appraised total assets of a few million dollars from his effective instructing profession in combination with different media commitments.

The negatives of Perry's money problems mean that lessons in financial planning and management for athletes are reinforced once more. Unlike many of his peers, Perry didn't have lucrative endorsement deals or extensive post-career ventures to continue making money.

Impact on Popular Culture

Despite struggling financially, William "Refrigerator" Perry has made an indelible impression on American popular culture. A larger-than-life figure with on-field performances to match, he was one of American sports' most iconic and beloved figures.

But Perry's reach was greater than on the football field. 2006 he joined the WWE Hall of Fame for his wrestling works and his appearances in commercials, TV shows, and movies solidified that status. As we reflect on Perry's life, it's important to recognize what he meant for the sport and take heed of some key lessons from his journey that should resonate with many aspiring athletes. His story is a critical reminder of the need for financial education and proper planning after a professional sports career.